Why is a Police Report So Important in Car Accident Cases?

No matter how minor an accident is, it’s always important that you call the police. Any Fayetteville car accident attorney will agree. Even if the other party asks you not to, you need to do it. In fact, the more the other driver begs you not to call the police, the more important that you do it!

There is a reason people don’t want to call the police after a car accident. Sure, there are some people who just hate the inconvenience of calling the cops. They want to just get on their way. Maybe they’re running late for work. Or maybe they’ve had a long day at work and want to get home and relax.

When the damage to the vehicles isn’t that bad, a lot of people may be tempted to just exchange insurance information and be on their way. This is a big mistake. If you have to file a claim or lawsuit later on, you are going to need a police report.

A Fayetteville Car Accident Attorney Will Rely on That Police Report

If your Fayetteville car accident attorney has to file a lawsuit on your behalf, he’s going to rely on the police report. There is information in that report that you just can’t get any other way. Some of this information includes:

  • Name and insurance information for all drivers involved in the accident
  • Pictures and a description of the accident scene
  • A note about road conditions
  • Statements made by the drivers
  • Name, contact info and statements made by witnesses
  • Driver’s license information (including if a driver does not have a valid license)
  • Information about any tickets or arrests made at the scene

If you find out days or weeks after your accident that your claim has been denied, you will have to file a lawsuit. This means you’re going to need all of the above information. If you don’t call the police, you won’t have this report. This means you won’t have any of this information.

Although your attorney can get some of this information on his own, it will be time consuming and expensive. And, there is some information that he simply won’t be able to get.

Calling the Police Helps Your Fayetteville Car Accident Attorney

It’s not just the police report that helps your Fayetteville car accident attorney. Calling the police does other things that can help your case later on.

If the driver who hit you was speeding at the time of the accident, he’ll probably get a speeding ticket. You can use this as proof that he was responsible for the accident. The same is true for distracted driving.

If the other driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, the police will discover this. They may arrest him for DUI. This means he’ll have to go to court to address these charges. If he’s found guilty of DUI, your attorney will want to know that. He can use his conviction as per se evidence of liability.

It’s your attorney’s job to do whatever it takes to get you justice. He can’t do this if he doesn’t have all the information. If you don’t call the police, you’re only hurting your chances of recovery down the road.

Contact a Fayetteville Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved have injuries from a car accident, you need to contact a Fayetteville car accident attorney today. You need to focus on your health. Let your attorney handle the legal side of things.

Hopefully, the other driver’s insurance company will cover your accident. But, what if they deny your claim? They can deny your claim for many reasons, including:

  • The insurance policy wasn’t valid
  • The policy had lapsed for non-payment
  • The driver isn’t on the policy
  • The insurance company thinks you were at fault
  • They doubt your injuries are from the accident

Your Fayetteville car accident attorney will try to get your claim approved. If he’s unable to do this, he’ll have no choice but to file a lawsuit on your behalf. In his suit, he’ll demand compensation on your behalf for the following things:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

The police report will be useful in proving your damages. This, along with your medical records, may be the difference between winning and losing your case. Don’t make your attorney’s job any harder than it already is.

Call and schedule your initial consultation with a Fayetteville car accident attorney today. The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.

View these other frequently asked questions pages:

Can Someone be Liable for My Car Accident if They Were Driving Too Slow?

 

How Do You Prove Damages in Your Georgia Car Accident Claim?

 

Does it Take Long to Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit in Fayetteville?